The 49-year-old is a four-time Winter Olympian and won gold over 500 metres at Nagano 1998 and Salt Lake City 2002.

Her back-to-back successes meant she became the first Canadian athlete to defend an individual Olympic gold medal, while she also won 1000m bronze in Nagano.

Le May Doan won five World Championship gold medals during her career and was Canada's Olympic flagbearer twice, at the Closing Ceremony in Nagano and the Opening Ceremony in Salt Lake City.

She was a member of the Board of Directors for Canada's home Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and was inducted into the country's Sports Hall of Fame in 2005.

At present she serves as President and chief executive of Sport Calgary.

Her role as Chef de Mission for the Chinese Games comes after she served as lead athlete mentor at Pyeongchang 2018.

"I knew that I wanted to help the team in 2022 live out their Olympic dreams in whatever way I could," said Le May Doan, who was named as Canada's athlete of the year in 2002.

"I know that the athletes are facing extreme challenges with the unknown of what is ahead, which has affected training, racing and 'normal' prep. 

"However, as every athlete is goal-oriented, I encourage them to stay focused, reach out for any help needed, but continue to keep in mind their final goal - performing at their very best at Beijing 2022."

Le May Doan moved into broadcasting after her competitive career, working at five more Olympic Games.

She is an Officer of the Order of Canada and has been crowned as Canada's female athlete of the year three times.

"Catriona has huge credibility and respect in the sport and broader community, is an inspiring leader and is passionate about sport and the Olympic movement," said Canadian Olympic Committee President Tricia Smith. 

"Already a tremendous mentor to many athletes, she will be a great leader for Team Canada in Beijing 2022 as Chef de Mission.

"Between her vast experience in the world of sport, her integrity and the way she consistently lives the Olympic values of excellence, respect and friendship, we are all extremely fortunate and excited to have Catriona as Chef for Beijing 2022." 

Beijing is due to become the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Games in 2022.

Dates of between February 4 and 20 have been set for the Winter Olympics, which is just six months after the rearranged Tokyo 2020 Summer Games.